The proliferation of parasites in a chicken flock can result in unthriftiness, general depression, and death of any or all birds. It is important to recognise the symptoms and to act swiftly, before secondary disease decimates the entire flock.
Causes of Chicken Pest Infestation
Lice Menopon gallinae appear as small, creamy brown insects that proliferate on the body of the bird. They congregate mostly towards the bird's butt end to lay their eggs (chalky white blobs stuck to the base of the feathers). Lice are transmitted by direct contact with infested birds. While it is believed that lice do not actually bite the birds, but rather eat dead skin and feather debris, the irritation they cause makes the birds pick at themselves, causing sores and general depression. Lice are easy to destroy, with a quick dip of the birds in a malathion bath and liberal use of a sulphur-based insecticide dust.
Red mites Dermanyssus gallinae are more sneaky and much more dangerous. They only come out in the dark hours to feed on the blood of chickens. Often left undetected, they can breed at such a rate that within weeks, there can be literally millions in your fowl shed. Mites will also bite you, your kids and pets, and can hide in bedding, under carpets and in wall joints.
Mites are mostly spread at night by rats and mice, or wild birds. Left unchecked they can cause chronic anaemia and death. Mites are harder to eradicate. First, you have to find them in the shed. Look for white powdery dust on the perches, at wall joints and under feeders, nestboxes and water containers. Tiny brownish-red blobs of mite feces (the colour of dried blood) may be apparent also. Take a look in the shed at night using a flashlight. Mites will appear as tiny blackish-red dots that will crawl away from the light (the baby ones look pale grey).
Causes of Chicken Pest Infestation
- Overcrowding. Birds kept in overcrowded conditions are far more prone to parasitic infection and disease than those kept in less close proximity.
- Poor sanitation. Like any pets, chcikens must be kept in hygienic conditions. Houses and yards should be kept clean of old manure and waste food, and floors must be kept dry.
- Infestation from outside sources. The most common source of parasites is new birds brought in from other places. It is important to quarantine new birds for a few weeks before introducing them to the main flock.
Lice Menopon gallinae appear as small, creamy brown insects that proliferate on the body of the bird. They congregate mostly towards the bird's butt end to lay their eggs (chalky white blobs stuck to the base of the feathers). Lice are transmitted by direct contact with infested birds. While it is believed that lice do not actually bite the birds, but rather eat dead skin and feather debris, the irritation they cause makes the birds pick at themselves, causing sores and general depression. Lice are easy to destroy, with a quick dip of the birds in a malathion bath and liberal use of a sulphur-based insecticide dust.
Red mites Dermanyssus gallinae are more sneaky and much more dangerous. They only come out in the dark hours to feed on the blood of chickens. Often left undetected, they can breed at such a rate that within weeks, there can be literally millions in your fowl shed. Mites will also bite you, your kids and pets, and can hide in bedding, under carpets and in wall joints.
Mites are mostly spread at night by rats and mice, or wild birds. Left unchecked they can cause chronic anaemia and death. Mites are harder to eradicate. First, you have to find them in the shed. Look for white powdery dust on the perches, at wall joints and under feeders, nestboxes and water containers. Tiny brownish-red blobs of mite feces (the colour of dried blood) may be apparent also. Take a look in the shed at night using a flashlight. Mites will appear as tiny blackish-red dots that will crawl away from the light (the baby ones look pale grey).
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